In Memory of

Dr. Harold Van Hofwegen

Dr. Harold Van Hofwegen

Dr. Harold Adrian Van Hofwegen, 81, was called home to his Heavenly Father on May 5, 2018. His devotion and strong faith supported him in his struggle and finally gave him peace.

Dr. Van Hofwegen was born June 1, 1936 in Hawarden, Iowa to Adrian and Ethel Van Hofwegen. He attended Sioux City Central High School and the day after graduation, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He then began his college career at Calvin College as a pre-med student and transferred to the University of Iowa where he received his BA and MD degree in 1961. After serving as an intern in Santa Monica, CA, he entered the Naval Medical Corps as a Lieutenant. Harold became a flight surgeon and when he left the Navy in 1965, was placed in the Fleet Marine Force as a Lieutenant Commander and a reserve physician. He began private practice in Newton, IA, then moving to Spencer, Iowa where he practiced until 2001, then ending up in Milford, IA. He was a member of the American Heart Association and served as President for the Iowa Heart Association.

Dr. Van lived an active life as an avid golfer, running with his dogs, hunting, fishing and boating over the years. He enjoyed watching sports, especially golf and University of Iowa. He was very caring and dedicated to his patients. He dearly loved the Lord, reading the Bible and was a member of Harbor of Joy Church in Milford, Iowa.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Adrian Van Hofwegen, two sisters, Elizabeth Osborne and Alice Apol, and one granddaughter, Tara Dailey.

The family wishes to thank Accura Healthcare and Kindred Hospice for their excellent care and support.

If desired, donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, Harbor of Joy Church or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

SERVICES

Public Gathering will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer.

Condolences

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 8:55 AM

“I keep thinking of Harold as he was before he declined in his last years. As adults, when greeting him and shaking hands with him there was always the contest on who could out-grip the other. When we were growing up in Sioux City, Harold, Lloyd, and Ronnie would always be seen together and would be referred to as the 'Three Musketeers'. He enjoyed family gatherings; we would enjoy exchanging ideas and like to discuss past and present events, especially when our opinions differed. I am glad that I was able to see Harold two days before his passing. His brother Chuck and wife Ruth and I were visiting him in the care center. When I was shaking hands with him as he laid on his bed he again tried to out-grip me. He was still very strong with his grip. I will always remember him as very accomplished and caring and honorable. He will be missed and will always be in my thoughts. Condolences to his children, Amy, Beth, Jennifer, and Scott.”

- Dr. Lloyd Van Hofwegen

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 7:22 PM

“Our sympathies to Dr VanHofwegans family. He was our family doctor for man years and we always enjoyed his medical care and dedication. ”

- Carol and Patrick Morgan

Monday, May 14, 2018 at 8:46 PM

“Dear Marie & Family,
I was just thinking of you as I often do and I decided to see if you were still in Milford, when I came across the obituary for Van. My heart just sank, I am so sorry for your loss Marie. I know you will miss him tremendously, but stay strong and dwell in all the beautiful memories you two shared. Our deepest condolences. Jim & Marlys Martin 🙏”

- Marlys Martin

Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10:19 PM

“We were sorry to hear of the passing of our family Doctor and friend Dr.Van. He was a constant, caring person who cared deeply about his patients and their families. Our Heartfelt Sympathy to Marie and all his family. You will be in our hearts forever.”

- Keith and Janice Orr

Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 8:11 AM

“Marie, Scott and Family,
There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.”

- Amy Ditsworth Gronemeyer

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 4:20 PM

“Dear Uncle Harold,
I will always remember your kind heart and the respect that you showed to my family. You were very special to the Van Hofwegen family and especially to my mother. I will always remember playing golf with you at the Sioux City Boat Club and at Emerald Hills in Okoboji. You had such high energy and I remember how fast you walked on the golf course ( I had a hard time keeping up). You will greatly be missed. All of our sadness at your passing will turn to JOY when we meet again in the presence of our Heavenly Father. ”

- Larry and Dianne Limoges

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 3:56 PM

“Dr. Van Hofwegen was my Mother's Doctor for many years. He took very good care of her and our family was blessed by my Mothers long life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Van's Family”

- Elwood, Marlene Johnson

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 3:22 PM

“Dear Uncle Harold:
I have many fond memories of you as a child at Grandma's house and then as an adult when my family would visit you in Newton and Spencer. You were a strong Christian and I know you are now walking on streets of gold. Please say "hi" to Mom and Grandma for me. ”

- Reagan and Kathleen (Peirce) Brewer

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 3:22 PM

“We will forever keep the sweet memories of our dad and grandpa close, in particular him playing with his grandchildren, and laughing so much with him last summer. Our hearts go out to all of those whose lives he touched, especially Marie, his three brothers and their wives, and his sister. Your steadfast love and many visits helped carry him through. And thank you to all for the heartfelt condolences. We will see you again one day, Dad. Love, Amy, Craig and Kylie”

- Amy Hofmeister

Friday, May 11, 2018 at 8:27 AM

“Our sincere sympathy to Marie and her family. We loved seeing Van over the years with Marie and hope he rests in peace now.
Tam and Paul Milligan”

- Tam and Paul Milligan

Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7:57 PM

“We continue to keep Marie and family in our thoughts and prayers.”

- Keith Nancy Wurtz

Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:29 PM

“Marie,
Van was a wonderful & caring doctor to my Mom & my Aunt Cathie Wyatt. I know you & Van shared many fun times with Ralph & Cathie as neighbors. Cherish all your memories! My sympathy to you & all of his family.
Sue Solomon Kent
”

- Sue Solomon Kent

Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 2:23 PM

“My sympathy to Dr. Van's entire family. Although we haven't talked for many years I still feel as though I just lost my best friend. He was there for me through some struggles, which I'll always be grateful. Even now I can hear his compassionate voice.
”

- Diane Fitzgerald Mozena

Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 11:54 AM

“I would like to extend my Christian sympathy to his wife and family in their loss. I knew Harold as a child, as a little boy, as a teenager and as an adult. He had a lot of spunk, accomplished a lot and had four wonderful children. See you in heaven brother.
Chuck”

- Chuck Van Hofwegen

Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 11:54 AM

“Farewell to a wonderful brother and friend of whom we have very fond memories. Condolences to his wife, Marie, and children, Amy, Beth, Jennifer and Scott.”

- Ron and Peggy Van Hofwegen

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 9:28 AM

“Dear Dad, I wanted you to know how proud of you I was and I am so glad you were my father. I used to call you bionic because I always thought you would be around. Thank you for teaching me to be a hard worker , my religious beliefs, to treat others with honor, respect and treat them how you wanted to be treated. I enjoyed the times with you at Okoboji and in Tucson. I will always remember our drives to football games and church the past few years. You will forever be missed and even though a part of me is broken, you will always have a special place my heart and forever be remembered. Love, Jennifer”

- Jennifer Anderson

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 8:05 AM

“Amy, Beth, Jennifer and Scott. So sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. My heart is hurting for all of you. We have so many good memories of your family when you lived in Newton. Love to all of you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏”

- Ben and Carol Van Zee

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7:37 PM

“I will always have good memories of Uncle Harold. From the times in Newton, Iowa up to most recently in Tucson, AZ, he will most definitely be missed. ”

- Dave Stark

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 6:23 PM

“Dear Marie,

Paul Huseman, my cousin, just sent me the link to this Obituary. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. If you ever get a minute we would love to catch up with you. You are such a special person and will always hold a special place in our hearts! You and your family are in our prayers! Mike and Roxi XXOO”

- Mike and Roxi Pertzborn

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 2:12 PM

“The Van Hofwegen family lost a special member of our family this week, and we are all deeply grieved. Harold had a gentle spirit even as a child. And I remember professing our Christian faith together as teenagers in our church. He had many accomplishments in his life of which he never boasted. His family can rest in the peace that he is with his Savior Jesus Christ now. ”

- Lois Stark

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 2:12 PM

“Condolences to you, Marie, and all of your family. With sympathy, Dave and Judy Nixon.
”

- Dave & Judy Nixon

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7:48 AM

“We met Dr.Van and Marie when we moved to Arizona. They were such a loving couple. Van was always a gentleman and caring person.His memories will live on forever in our hearts.
Love and Sympathy to Marie and family.
Frank and Susie”

- Susie and Frank Maine

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7:48 AM

“Our deepest condolences to Marie and family. We remember fondly sharing many lovely times with you Narue and Van. in Arizona. God Bless🙏”

- Judy and Art Jacobsen

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 6:11 PM

“My deepest sympathies to Van's family and friends. In the 1970s as a cub reporter, I tailed him for a day--it was so gracious of him to let me do that--and came away with such respect for the man and his dedication to his profession. The story that came out was titled, "Long Day's Journey Into Night." That's what his day seemed like to me! Again, so sorry for your loss.”

- Nancy Nalley Loseke

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 5:41 PM

“I enjoyed working with Dr. Van Hofwegen at Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Primghar and Hartley where he filled after he retired. He had a beautiful, loyal dog who traveled with him. We still laugh about the one and only day he brought his wife's dog. He will be remembered fondly. My sympathy to his family.”

- Deb Prins

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 5:41 PM

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was my mom’s doctor and delivered me ❤️❤️ My mom told that he was great through thewhole delivery process”

- Mackenzie Scott

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11:28 AM

“Dr Van was our family doctor for many tears & we loved him. RIP”

- Chapman David R

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11:28 AM

“Scott, Jennifer, Beth, Amy and Marie, I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of Van. I have such wonderful childhood memories of fishing, skiing and tubing at the cabin in Okoboji and later playing golf with he and Scott many times over the years. Van had such a quick witted-sense of humor and was always very kind. No doubt he will be greatly missed. ”

- Jim Nalley

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11:27 AM

“Marie and Dr. Vans family,
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Dr Van is one of the main reasons that I came to Spencer to join a medical practice. May he Rest In Peace🙏🏻”

- Dr. Kenneth Hunziker

Monday, May 7, 2018 at 7:49 AM

“What a great doctor but an even better man!!
Dr Van properly diagnosed Gregg 34 yrs ago with a manageable auto-immune illness after he had incorrectly been diagnosed with a terminal illness! He also delivered our first born! A physician by trade but like a family member to us!!! We will hold his loved ones close in prayer. THANK YOU for sharing him with so many through the years!!!”

- Gregg & Kris Allen

Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 2:50 PM

“We will remember Van not only as a wonderful Doctor but also a great friend to us over the years.
Losing someone is never an easy thing to bear. It never has been. May all the wonderful memories bring you peace at this time of sorrow
May he now rest in peace.
Sending our Love and Sympathy
Chuck and Donna Tielbur
Milford
”